Thriving in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Insights from Dr. Tessa Davis

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, we are joined by Dr. Tessa Davis, a pediatric emergency medicine consultant at the Royal London Hospital and co-founder of the pioneering educational platform Don't Forget the Bubbles. Dr. Davis shares her unique journey from Glasgow to Sydney and back to the UK, detailing her experiences in building a balanced and sustainable career. She offers practical advice on medical interviews, public speaking, and leveraging technology effectively. Additionally, Dr. Davis discusses the importance of mindset, self-advocacy, and fostering supportive professional teams for career success. She also highlights the challenges and strategies for managing high-stress situations and balancing family life, including raising three kids and two dogs. This conversation is a rich resource for anyone looking to excel in pediatrics or any demanding medical field.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tessa Davis

00:55 Tessa's Journey to Sydney

01:57 Founding Don't Forget the Bubbles

05:08 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities

05:34 Mastering Medical Interviews

13:28 Challenges in Pediatric Emergency Medicine

14:27 Building a Sustainable Career

22:19 Embracing Failure and Learning

25:35 Final Reflections

Navigating Medicine with Dr. Celeste Royce: Mentorship, Motherhood, and Advocacy

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Celeste Royce, a Harvard Medical School OB/GYN educator with over 35 years of experience, shares insights from her comprehensive career. Dr. Royce discusses her journey from initial medical school fears to her love for OB/GYN, shaped by camaraderie and a pivotal surgery block experience. She reflects on her challenges as a female physician, including balancing motherhood and her profession in a male-dominated field. Dr. Royce highlights the significance of mentorship, equitable access to hidden medical curriculum knowledge, and advocating for academic freedom. The episode also delves into her personal experiences with maternity leave, the importance of choosing the right time to have children, and the pivotal role support systems play. Furthermore, Dr. Royce discusses her advocacy work, particularly a legal challenge with the ACLU over censorship of her gender-inclusive research on endometriosis. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out, mentorship, and understanding that life’s different phases dictate the focus and balance in one's career and personal life.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Celeste Royce

00:59 Dr. Royce's Journey into OB/GYN

02:22 Mentorship and Leadership in Medicine

04:27 Balancing Motherhood and a Medical Career

08:37 Advice for Aspiring Physicians

15:35 Advocating for Academic Freedom

19:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Finding Authentic Balance: A Conversation with Dr. Dawn Baker on Burnout and Rediscovery

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, host Christine interviews Dr. Dawn Baker, a board-certified anesthesiologist and lifestyle design coach. Dr. Baker shares her journey from burnout and significant health issues, including a pituitary tumor, to finding a sustainable path forward. They discuss the perils of the 'treadmill of achievement,' the importance of self-compassion, and practical tools for achieving personalized work-life harmony. Dr. Baker emphasizes the value of self-reflection, mindfulness, and developing confidence to break free from societal and professional expectations. The conversation offers valuable insights and actionable advice for professionals struggling to find fulfillment in their careers.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dawn Baker

01:02 The Treadmill of Achievement

02:31 Burnout and Health Scare

04:11 The Wake-Up Call

07:03 Self-Compassion and Diagnosis

09:48 Infertility and Stigma

12:13 Work-Life Harmony Tools

14:51 Mindfulness Practices

15:55 Building Confidence and Clarity

22:00 Final Thoughts and Message